Dry Head Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dry Head Creek was last stocked July 14, 2003 with Cutthroat Trout. Dry Head Creek has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2003, with about 180,534 fish stocked over that period.
When Dry Head Creek is stocked
Dry Head Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Dry Head Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Dry Head Creek, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Dry Head Creek was last stocked July 14, 2003, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Dry Head Creek:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Dry Head Creek
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Dry Head Creek, freshest activity first.
Yellowtail Afterbay Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 121 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bighorn Lake
10 mi9 species · 243 records
Last stocked June 2025
Old Anderson Pond
23 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 2017
Little Bull Elk Creek
3 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked May 2013
Mccarty Pond
21 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1994
Ten Mile Pond
21 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,667 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,667 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 25,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 25,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Dry Head Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dry Head Creek was last stocked July 14, 2003 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Dry Head Creek?
Dry Head Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Dry Head Creek stocked?
Dry Head Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Dry Head Creek stocked?
Dry Head Creek is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Dry Head Creek?
About 180,534 fish have been stocked in Dry Head Creek across 12 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Dry Head Creek?
Fish stocked in Dry Head Creek average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Dry Head Creek?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Dry Head Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Dry Head Creek typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.